Investigation of Lithium Transport in Ionic Conductors with Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy

Applications are invited for a graduate to join the Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, UK for a 42-month Graduate Teaching Assistant PhD studentship.

Materials with enhanced Li ion diffusion properties are needed to advance energy storage and conversion technologies such as those used in batteries for portable applications and grid storage. This PhD project is an exciting opportunity for both the detailed characterization of new Li containing inorganic ceramics and understanding of Li diffusion pathways. The project will focus on harnessing the capabilities of solid-state NMR spectroscopy to understand atomic scale diffusion processes by probing dynamics over a wide range of timescales using an array of approaches (e.g., variable temperature, exchange, correlation times). You will work closely with a team of computational and experimental chemists with a strong track record in collaborating for the discovery of new materials.
The student will have access to state-of-the-art NMR facilities, either as part of Liverpool unique solid-state NMR infrastructure in high resolution high temperature data collection or by performing experiments in world-leading ultra-high field and ultra-high temperature NMR research facilities elsewhere in the UK and overseas. As well as obtaining knowledge and experience in NMR and materials chemistry, the student will develop skills in teamwork and cross-disciplinary scientific communication within the team and will be able to expand their research vision and interest by attending international conferences.

The student will be part of the recently announced Faraday Institution to which the University of Liverpool is playing a major role and will join a team of postdoctoral and PhD researchers from both the Departments of Chemistry and Computer Science at Liverpool on next generation of solid state batteries that is closely aligned with the Leverhulme Research Centre for Functional Materials Design. The project is based in both the Department of Chemistry and newly-opened Materials Innovation Factory at the University of Liverpool.
The Department of Chemistry at Liverpool is an international centre of excellence for the chemistry of advanced materials. In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework assessment of all academic research activity in the UK, the Department of Chemistry was ranked second in Chemistry in the UK (behind Cambridge) and first for published outputs (research papers). In addition to the quality of the research and its international recognition, this assessment also affirms the leading research environment in Liverpool (including the facilities referred to above) and the strong research income performance. The Materials Innovation Factory (MIF), funded via the UK Research Partnerships and Investment Fund (UK RPIF), is a flagship strategic initiative focussing initially on £68m collaboration between the University of Liverpool and Unilever Plc. Our joint aim is to develop the leading materials chemistry research hub in the UK for use by universities and industry. This facility is unique in Europe and will greatly reduce new product and knowledge discovery times to help support the UK’s international competitiveness.

The successful applicant should have at least a 2:1 Master degree in the UK, or equivalent qualification, in Chemistry, Physics, Materials science or a closely related subject. The candidate should be highly motivated, curious, have competent English communication skills and be able to work both as part of a team and independently. A project experience in NMR spectroscopy and/or materials chemistry would be an advantage, but is not a prerequisite.

Applications should include a cover letter explaining the applicants motivation for applying to this PhD studentship and a statement on teaching interests and commitment, a full CV, and the contact details of two academic referees and should be sent by email to Dr. Frédéric Blanc ([Email Address Removed]) and Prof. Matthew J. Rosseinsky ([Email Address Removed]) before 1st July 2018 indicating “Investigation of Lithium Transport in Ionic Conductors with Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy – Faraday Institute” in the subject line. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will start in September 2018.

Enquiries can be sent to Dr. Frédéric Blanc [Email Address Removed] and Prof. Matthew J. Rosseinsky [Email Address Removed].